Kitty

I just purchased Lilium henryi at Walmart’s of all places. A bag of 6 bulbs for $10. Of course all the bulbs were sprouting in the bag when opened. I went on and potted them up. They need light more than anything else. If the tips are damaged no bloom for the year, but you know that one. Can you find a place to keep them from going below 40 degrees, get some light?

Gene

Hi All,

I store lily bulbs in my fridge and this time also some Allium karataviense . I usually then pot them up mid to late March and set them outside under the eaves against a south-facing wall. They are then sold at the end of April.

I was just checking the fridge and the lilies (mostly L lancifolium this time) have sprouted several inches already and have reached the lid of their container! The Allium, too, have begun to sprout. The temp is fine in there, but I don’t have an exact temp – can’t find my gauge – probably around 40°F. Interestingly, the Mirabilis and Glads stored in the attached garage that’s not cold are still dormant; no signs of sprouting.

It’s too early to pot and set outside. Tomorrow night 9°. Then lows in teens and 20s, not reliably in 30s for another 2 weeks. I don’t want them to freeze.  Any ideas on best time to pot and where to keep them?  Maybe in the south-facing garage window? There’s only so much room there.

I realize it’s only the difference of a couple of weeks; not a critical question, but I’d appreciate any input.

Kitty

Northeast Indiana, Zone 5b/6a